Witnesses said Edwards was standing on the side of the road before he walked into traffic.

Edwards was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

While trying to avoid Edwards, a concrete truck swerved and struck another vehicle. Neither driver was injured, deputies said.

Authorities have not yet said why Edwards was on the highway, saying the incident was still under investigation.

Edwards helped found the annual Rubber Duck Regatta 20 years ago, an event that benefits the Freestore Foodbank in Cincinnati.

"We have shared many hugs, tears and memories today at the Freestore Foodbank. Our hearts are shattered over the passing of Rubber Duck Regatta Founder and Chair Bob Edwards. Bob was our friend, our mentor, one of our biggest cheerleaders, and most importantly, a member of our Freestore Foodbank family," the agency said in a statement Thursday.

All southbound traffic was diverted to Red Bank Road until just after 11 a.m.